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MAHALO to all

that shared their ‘ike and gifts, reaffirming our pilina to one another while growing the opportunities for a prosperous future of Hawaiians advancing Hawai‘i.

We will be posting 2025 Native Hawaiian Convention breakout sessions on Hawaiian Council’s YouTube channel. Look below for more content from the convention, and please share with those that missed out.

Mele ʻŌiwi Ē

Over half of Native Hawaiians now live away from Hawai‘i, yet the connection to home, culture, and identity remains unbroken. Mele ʻŌiwi Ē is a call across oceans, a reminder that wherever we stand, Hawai‘i lives within us.

Premiered at the 2025 Native Hawaiian Convention, this film celebrates the strength and unity of the lāhui, from our Kumu on the shores of Hawai‘i to our people in the diaspora.

Opening Ceremony

The 2025 Native Hawaiian Convention kicked off with a powerful Plenary & General Session to launch the three-day event. Kūhiō Lewis, CEO of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, delivered inspiring opening remarks, followed by a warm greeting from Teri Gobin, Chairwoman of the Tulalip Tribes.

Honoring Sue Van
with the Kilohana Award

During the 2025 Native Hawaiian Convention, Sue Van, President & CEO of the Wallace H. Coulter Foundation, was recognized for her outstanding leadership and contributions with the Kilohana Award.

The award was presented by Michelle Kaʻuhane, Board Chair of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, with remarks by Kūhiō Lewis, CEO of the Hawaiian Council.

Data Report

The opening day of the 2025 Native Hawaiian Convention concluded with an insightful data report presentation by Rebecca Soon, President of Ward Research. Her presentation shared key findings and trends shaping the Native Hawaiian community, providing valuable data to inform future strategies and strengthen community impact.

Panel Discussion: 21st Century Hawaiian

As part of the Day 1 Plenary & General Session at the 2025 Native Hawaiian Convention, this panel discussion — “21st Century Hawaiian” — brought together thought leaders Moses Goods, Marques Hanalei Marzan, Dre Kalili, Maliā Kaʻaihue, and Alapaki Nahale-a.

Together, they explored the guiding question: “How do we continue to evolve our culture while staying rooted in ʻike kūpuna?” Their conversation blended traditional wisdom with modern perspectives, inspiring deeper reflection on what it means to be Hawaiian today.

MAHALO

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